“Of course, and I will notify the ladies as well.”
Augustus added, “And you promise that this isn’t some scheme to prevent your club’s competition from having its grand opening?”
Hawley’s lips twisted into a smirk. “You have truly joined their cause. But to answer your question, no, this has nothing to do with attempting to stop them from going forward with their club. I’m only concerned for the safety of my wife and the other board members. I wish I could share more details with you, but honestly, I don’t have much more information to provide. The British Secret Service is not known for sharing.”
Augustus wouldn’t help Hawley or his club interfere with the Historical Society for Female Curators, but he supposed he could inform him if something impacted the ladies’ safety. “If something else happens, I will send you a missive. I’m departing London for a few days, but when I return, I plan to continue assisting them. Are you sure they are safe?”
“My contacts indicated so. If that changes, I will notify you about any danger.”
Augustus rose and made his way to the door, but before he could open it, the scholar said, “One more question.”
Augustus turned back to him. Hawley asked, “Why are you so willing to help them?”
“I find Miss Calvert’s work to be quite extraordinary. I would hate to see that remain unfinished.”
“She is rather wonderful,” Hawley agreed.
Rose was, but he hated that Hawley saw it too. “Good day.”
Chapter Ten
Rose did everythingin her power not to roll her eyes at Constables Jackson and Harris as they lectured the Historical Society for Female Curators board members on why the club should shut its doors. All five ladies listened attentively, but thankfully, none seemed ready to agree to the men’s ridiculous suggestions.
“My ladies, you must consider your safety. This complicated work must be left to the men,” Constable Jackson admonished.
A snort escaped her then, and the constables glared at her. She returned the favor. “The attack had nothing to do with the fact that we wear petticoats.”
Constable Jackson balked at her mention of undergarments, but Rose didn’t care. His suggestion was absurd. He sputtered, “It isn’t right.”
Addie said, “Thank you, Constable. We will consider your advice.”
Rose’s eyes flitted to Addie incredulously. Constable Jackson and Harris nodded, seemingly appeased by her words.
“We will start an investigation on this, but based on priorities, it may take some time,” Constable Harris said.
“Don’t you already have an investigation going?” Diana asked.
Both men flushed. Constable Jackson stammered, “W-we were preparing one.”
Rose, Diana, Sarah, Esme, and Lisbeth all snorted. Constable Harris puffed out his chest. “We have important work to do.”
Addie darted a pointed look at all the ladies. She smiled at him. “Constable Harris, we understand that. Perhaps next week you can update us on what you find?”
The two constables stared at each other in silence. They would have nothing by next week, Rose deduced. She doubted they would have anything even in a month. Finally, Captain Harris said, “I will send word when we have something to share.”
“That would be wonderful. Please don’t let us keep you here. We realize your work is very important,” Addie said.
The men studied her, trying to determine if her words were meant as a jab, but she just smiled back at them. Eventually, they nodded and departed the board members’ office. Addie plopped into a chair. “That was a waste of time.”
“You were much too nice to them,” Rose accused.
Addie chuckled. “Sometimes charm works better than bluntness. Those men can start rumors about the club. We have been fortunate that the theft of the tablets hasn’t become a topic of gossip. I’m not sure we can keep the attack of you and a guard out of the newspaper.”
“I wasn’t attacked,” Rose insisted.
Lisbeth frowned at her. “You were chased out of the house, and luckily, you reached the street first. And the guard was attacked.”
Rose didn’t think the man was after her. That wasn’t his focus. “He wanted my bag. I believe whoever is behind this is looking for my notes and text analysis.”
